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| Making Gravy |
Alright, partner, let's wrangle up some mighty fine gravy! We're gonna ditch the soy, fake stuff, and that white sugar devil, and whip up nine different gravies, Texan-style, but with a touch of international flair. We're keepin' it healthy-ish, using honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Now, hold your horses, the nutritional information is an estimate – it can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use.
Important Note: These recipes are designed to be thickened with a roux (flour and fat) or cornstarch slurry. If you're gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or arrowroot powder for the roux or slurry.
Yields: About 1-1.5 cups per gravy (4-6 servings)
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes per gravy
Cook Time: 15-25 minutes per gravy
General Ingredients (Used Across Multiple Gravies):
* Fat: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, olive oil, or rendered bacon fat (for a true Texan touch!)
* Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
* Broth: 1-1.5 cups low-sodium chicken, beef, vegetable, or mushroom broth (depending on the gravy)
* Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary (adjust to taste)
* Sweetener: 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
Equipment:
* Saucepan
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
General Instructions (Used Across Multiple Gravies):
1. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the fat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is smooth and lightly golden. This is important for a good flavor and to avoid a pasty gravy.
2. Whisk in the Broth: Gradually whisk in the broth, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Season and Sweeten: Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other herbs or spices specific to the recipe. If desired, stir in honey or maple syrup to taste.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more broth. If it's too thin, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and simmer for a minute or two until thickened.
6. Strain (Optional): For a super smooth gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
Specific Gravy Recipes:
1. Classic Southern Sawmill Gravy (No Milk):
* Broth: 1-1.5 cups chicken broth
* Additional Ingredients: 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage (turkey or pork), 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Instructions: After making the roux, add the sausage and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, proceed with the general instructions.
* Serving Suggestion: Serve over biscuits, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes.
* Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 150-200, Protein: 8-12g, Carbs: 5-8g, Fat: 10-15g
2. Texas BBQ Gravy:
* Broth: 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (sugar-free or homemade with honey/maple syrup)
* Additional Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Instructions: Proceed with the general instructions, adding the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) along with the broth.
* Serving Suggestion: Serve over brisket, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.
* Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 80-120, Protein: 2-4g, Carbs: 8-12g, Fat: 4-8g
3. Mushroom Gravy (Vegetarian):
* Broth: 1.5 cups mushroom broth
* Additional Ingredients: 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional)
* Instructions: Sauté the mushrooms and garlic in the fat until softened. Then, proceed with the general instructions, adding the sherry (if using) along with the broth.
* Serving Suggestion: Serve over mashed potatoes, steak, or vegetarian meatloaf.
* Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 70-100, Protein: 2-4g, Carbs: 6-10g, Fat: 4-6g
4. Chicken Gravy with Herbs:
* Broth: 1.5 cups chicken broth
* Additional Ingredients: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (added at the end)
* Instructions: Proceed with the general instructions, adding the thyme and rosemary along with the broth. Stir in the parsley at the end of cooking.
* Serving Suggestion: Serve over roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
* Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 60-90, Protein: 1-3g, Carbs: 5-8g, Fat: 4-6g
5. Beef Gravy with Red Wine:
* Broth: 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
* Additional Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 bay leaf (remove before serving)
* Instructions: Proceed with the general instructions, adding the red wine, oregano, and bay leaf along with the broth.
* Serving Suggestion: Serve over roast beef, steak, or mashed potatoes.
* Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 80-120, Protein: 2-4g, Carbs: 6-10g, Fat: 4-8g
6. Turkey Gravy (for Thanksgiving!):
* Broth: 1.5 cups turkey broth (or chicken broth)
* Additional Ingredients: 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped celery, 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
* Instructions: Sauté the onion and celery in the fat until softened. Then, proceed with the general instructions, adding the sage along with the broth.
* Serving Suggestion: Serve over turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
* Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 70-100, Protein: 1-3g, Carbs: 6-10g, Fat: 4-6g
7. Pork Gravy with Apple Cider:
* Broth: 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup apple cider (unsweetened)
* Additional Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Instructions: Proceed with the general instructions, adding the apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg along with the broth.
* Serving Suggestion: Serve over pork chops, roasted pork loin, or mashed sweet potatoes.
* Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 70-100, Protein: 1-3g, Carbs: 8-12g, Fat: 4-6g
8. Spicy Chorizo Gravy:
* Broth: 1.5 cups chicken broth
* Additional Ingredients: 4 oz Mexican chorizo (removed from casing), 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
* Instructions: Cook the chorizo and onion in the fat until the chorizo is cooked through and the onion is softened. Add the jalapeno (if using). Then, proceed with the general instructions.
* Serving Suggestion: Serve over biscuits, eggs, or breakfast tacos.
* Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 180-250, Protein: 10-15g, Carbs: 5-8g, Fat: 12-18g
9. Coconut Curry Gravy (International Flair):
* Broth: 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
* Additional Ingredients: 1 tablespoon red curry paste, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
* Instructions: Proceed with the general instructions, adding the curry paste, ginger, and turmeric along with the broth and coconut milk.
* Serving Suggestion: Serve over rice, chicken, or vegetables.
* Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 100-150, Protein: 2-4g, Carbs: 8-12g, Fat: 6-10g
Important Considerations:
* Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings to your liking.
* Consistency is key: Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of broth or cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired thickness.
* Fresh herbs are best: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them! They'll add a brighter flavor.
* Get creative: These recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and ingredients to create your own signature gravy!
Now, git cookin' and enjoy these gravy recipes, y'all! They're sure to be a hit at your next Texan-Southern gathering.
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